Best Places For Hand-Picked Summer Fruit In The Charlotte Area
For nature lovers and those who want things as fresh from the farm as can be, the prospect of picking your own fruit or vegetables can be possible without driving very far. Charlotte's look has changed over the past 100 years from farm lands, cattle and crops to city skyscrapers, but some of the old farms still exist right within the city limits. You and your family would be welcome to come and pick your own produce at any of the farms listed here. When planning your trip, it is important to be sure to call ahead. For one thing, you will be going to someone's house in some cases. You also want to be sure that crops are ripe for picking.
The Bradford Store
15915 Davidson Concord Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 439-4303
www.thebradfordstore.comLocated up the road in Huntersville, the Bradford Farms promises a nostalgic experience for the entire family. Its produce is organically grown, and most of what it offers is from its farm. North Carolina-grown apples and apple cider are also sold, along with eggs and meat. Those who go with family members who are not into picking crops can direct them to the porch where there are rocking chairs. They could watch you work from the porch while they eat homemade goods from the Bradford Store.
15915 Davidson Concord Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 439-4303
www.thebradfordstore.comLocated up the road in Huntersville, the Bradford Farms promises a nostalgic experience for the entire family. Its produce is organically grown, and most of what it offers is from its farm. North Carolina-grown apples and apple cider are also sold, along with eggs and meat. Those who go with family members who are not into picking crops can direct them to the porch where there are rocking chairs. They could watch you work from the porch while they eat homemade goods from the Bradford Store.
Carrigan Farms
1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway
Mooresville, N.C. 28115
(704) 664-1450
www.carriganfarms.comVisit the Carrigan Farms in nearby Mooresville year round for a variety of produce. Freshly picked strawberries are there starting early in May. Lovers of asparagus can pluck their tender stems fresh from the earth in April and May. Apple season starts in September and pumpkins can be picked in October.
1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway
Mooresville, N.C. 28115
(704) 664-1450
www.carriganfarms.comVisit the Carrigan Farms in nearby Mooresville year round for a variety of produce. Freshly picked strawberries are there starting early in May. Lovers of asparagus can pluck their tender stems fresh from the earth in April and May. Apple season starts in September and pumpkins can be picked in October.
Hall Family Farm
10713 Providence Road W.
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 562-4021
www.hallfamilyfarm.comThis family farm has been operating for more than 70 years. Its location is in Ballantyne, once a farming area and now a major real estate location in Charlotte. Once cotton was a major crop for the Hall family and textiles were a major industry in Charlotte. Nowadays, the Halls grow strawberries in their season and pumpkins in the fall. Take the children for a tour, enjoy snacks at the sales tent or buy some baked goods or jam to take home.
10713 Providence Road W.
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 562-4021
www.hallfamilyfarm.comThis family farm has been operating for more than 70 years. Its location is in Ballantyne, once a farming area and now a major real estate location in Charlotte. Once cotton was a major crop for the Hall family and textiles were a major industry in Charlotte. Nowadays, the Halls grow strawberries in their season and pumpkins in the fall. Take the children for a tour, enjoy snacks at the sales tent or buy some baked goods or jam to take home.
Hodges Dairy Pumpkin Patch
3900 Rocky River Road E.
Charlotte, NC 28215
(704) 494-0107
www.hodgesfarmnc.comThis farm has been functioning for more than 100 years and is on the National and State Historic Registries. The emphasis has moved over time from dairy production to "agritourism," educating the public about farms and farm creatures. Children love the experience of petting the farm animals and learning their names and personalities. Riding in a hay wagon and walking through the cornfield maze brings out the kid in anyone. The prospect of picking out one's own pumpkin from the many to be harvested in the fall is another highlight. Organically raised beef products are also available, from hamburger to t-bones.
3900 Rocky River Road E.
Charlotte, NC 28215
(704) 494-0107
www.hodgesfarmnc.comThis farm has been functioning for more than 100 years and is on the National and State Historic Registries. The emphasis has moved over time from dairy production to "agritourism," educating the public about farms and farm creatures. Children love the experience of petting the farm animals and learning their names and personalities. Riding in a hay wagon and walking through the cornfield maze brings out the kid in anyone. The prospect of picking out one's own pumpkin from the many to be harvested in the fall is another highlight. Organically raised beef products are also available, from hamburger to t-bones.
Karriker Farms
7933 Karriker Road
Kannapolis, NC 28081
(704) 938-9863
www.visitsalisburync.comThis clearly is a major farm, as its address includes its name. The Karriker Farms offers flowers as well as edibles. Through the month of July, daylilies, peonies and irises are available. Get peas July through September. Sweet corn and string beans are ready to be picked in June and July. The fall crops, turnips and a variety of greens are ready to be picked from September through November, just in time for Thanksgiving.
7933 Karriker Road
Kannapolis, NC 28081
(704) 938-9863
www.visitsalisburync.comThis clearly is a major farm, as its address includes its name. The Karriker Farms offers flowers as well as edibles. Through the month of July, daylilies, peonies and irises are available. Get peas July through September. Sweet corn and string beans are ready to be picked in June and July. The fall crops, turnips and a variety of greens are ready to be picked from September through November, just in time for Thanksgiving.
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Jacquelin Celeste Peters has produced award winning radio programs at WPFW Pacifica-Washington. She is a Culture and Events Examiner in Charlotte, North Carolina, which she calls home. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
